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Ortho Treatment (Braces)Board lagging in Psych-Ed assessments One- Hour Teeth Whitening Porcelain VeneersBy Dominik Kurektheir classrooms, are left on the waiting list. At OAKVDental Hygiene ServicesILLE BEAVER STAFFthe current rate, Boag said he expects about 250 Sleep Disorder Appliancesof those students to be assessed by the end of Parents of students at local public schools 905.829.1244Implants - VeneersJune. can expect to wait up to two years for a psycho-The gifted program screening process is takLaser Gum Treatment-1140 Winston Churchill Blvd., Oakvilleeducational assessment for their child, accord-ing Root Canal Treatment place through February and March, and ing to a report presented to Halton District Boag said these assessments are time sensitive Crowns - Bridges - Dentures School Board trustees.because the students have to be identified for the Wisdom Teeth Extraction The staff report was presented by David Boag, start of class in September. with Sedationsuperintendent of education, at a board meeting Were in a bit of a pinch right now, but hope-on Wednesday, Feb. 16. His report stated the fully a few years down the line well be in a bit average wait time to assess students, who are better shape, he said. He added that in a few struggling in their classrooms, is 15 months, years, the need to assess students for the Grade but some students can wait as long as two years, 4 gifted program will be eliminated.depending on the priority level. An assessment In the mean time, we have an unusually recommendation can help identify learning long wait list and were trying to manage as best strategies for students, such as entry into special weWe submit claims on your behalf online - Accept All Insurance Claims can.education classes. He said the board has 18 of 19 Psych-Ed This information came to the trustees after Consultant positions filled; however, one more is the previous board passed a motion in November on leave of absence. He said it is unlikely the to begin the gifted student program in Grades 1 board will fill the vacant position, due to a lack and 2. Prior to that, the earliest age group of of qualified candidates across all school boards.students entering the gifted program was in Boag said the students being assessed for the Grade 4.gifted program and the primary language class This year is particularly problematic for the take about four to six hours. The other students primary gifted screening. As we do phase-one of need a full psycho-educational assessment, that process, were actually doing two grades at which takes about 20 hours.once this year, SK and Grade 1. So we have two Oakville trustee and board vice-chair Kelly grades in the phase and next year we will have Amos, who was not on the previous board, gave one grade so those numbers will be reduced by a notice of motion, which will return to the half, Boag told trustees.trustees for a vote at the next meeting.Board staff began working to assess 360 pri-The motion will ask for a report on what pos-mary students for the gifted program this year, sible actions can be taken to reduce the wait list plus it is assessing another 140 Grade 3s for the and the costs associated with the actions, as well Grade 4 gifted program and another 45-50 pri-as how to avoid such a long wait list from hap-mary language class assessments.pening again. If passed, the report would be However, another roughly 700 students, as of presented to the board and to its Special the middle of January, who are struggling in Education Advisory Committee for input.January 29 to April 10, 2011; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; RBG CentreExplore natures symphonyWild Music: Sounds & Songs of Life is a production of the Science Museum of Immerse yourself in the wild roots of Minnesota, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and the Association of sound and music in this highly interactive, Science-Technology Centers. Original major funding from the National Science family-friendly exhibit. Special activities Foundation, with additional support from Harman International Industries, Inc. and each day see www.rbg.ca.NEC Foundation of America.FUNDING PROVIDED BY:The Charles H. Ivey Foundation2FOR1 THIS WEEKENDBECOME A MEMBERPurchase one Royal Botanical Gardens Buy or renew at www.rbg.caadmissionand receive a second ticket of equalor lesser value for FREE(taxes not included).WINTER ADMISSION Adult: $10; Senior/Valid Friday, February 18 through Monday, February 21, 2011.Student: $7.50; Child (age 5 to 12): $5.25; Family:Admission purchase must be made at Royal Botanical Gardens gates at $25; Child under age 5 and RBG members: FREEtime of coupon redemption. Limit one free admission per coupon. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offers or discounts including consignment, prepaid tickets, upgrades, or online purchases. Coupon RBG Centre, 680 Plains Road West, must be surrendered when used. Photocopies not accepted. Not valid forgroups or separately ticketed events.Hamilton/Burlington 905-527-1158PHOTOS: VERONICA KAZMIERSKIOB17021113 Friday, February 18, 2011 OAKVILLE BEAVER www.insideHALTON.com